Of the 10 least popular classic rock artists according to baby boomers: ranked, fully half of them are among this boomer’s favorites. And the other half? They’re almost certainly on another baby boomer’s list of faves because what makes a classic rock artist popular is highly subjective. Musical genres, despite being associated with specific generations, are a deeply personal aspect of one’s identity. The notion that musical tastes are strictly bound by age overlooks the diversity of influences and experiences that shape an individual’s relationship to music. So, with that in mind, 24/7 Wall St. combed the internet, culling information from a variety of social media sites, including many subreddits, and survey sites, like YouGov, as well as quizzing fellow boomers. Our list is chock full of surprises. Continuing reading to see if your favorite classic rock artist made 24/7 Wall St.’s list!
10. Brian Wilson
Source: public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
- Years active: 1961 –
- Net worth: $100 million
- Known for: Lead singer and principal songwriter for the Beach Boys
Beach Bummer
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
Though Dick Dale is credited with the invention of surf rock, Brian Wilson took the genre to another level altogether, shaping the sound that would become synonymous with the Southern California beach scene. By the time I, an end-stage boomer was in high school, Wilson’s band, The Beach Boys had been regulated to golden oldie AM radio.
It was the 1970s and Wilson was in the throes of his mental health crisis. My classmates were listening to Skynard and Floyd; the Beach Boys weren’t considered cool. However, my BFF’s handsome older boomer brother, fresh out of college, loved the Beach Boys and played them to the exclusion of any other artists. And because I thought he was the bee’s knees, I too became an aficionado. The music isn’t complex, just uptempo, upbeat fun. The perfect soundtrack to a summer romance, even if it was all inside my head.
9. Robert Palmer
Source: public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
- Years active: 1964-2003
- Net worth: $10 million (2003)
- Known for: Addicted to Love/ Lead singer for The Power Station
Low Energy, Low Rizz
Source: Fin Costello / Redferns via Getty Images
So far, we’re batting .1000. Who doesn’t like to bounce to Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love? And Sneakin’ Sally Thru the Alley? That album rocked, even if Rolling Stone only gave it 3 stars. So, why isn’t Robert Palmer more popular with the boomer set? Referring to him as low-energy Mick Jagger or Mr. Fancy Pants, it’s more the artist than his music. Palmer simply didn’t have enough rizz to break on through to the other side…
8. Lenny Kravitz
Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
- Years active: 1981-
- Net worth: $80 million
- Known for: Songwriter/Media advertising
Fly Away
Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
I’ll admit it I’m a fan. I believe Lenny Kravitz is a talented musician. However, Kravitz’s fusion of rock, funk, and soul doesn’t appeal to the majority of baby boomers. Beyond the music, boomers have a lot to say about Kravitz’s personality, describing him as flamboyant and ostentatious. Well, he is a rock star, after all… Others view him as a sell-out thanks to his television spots for Stella Artois and YSL. Who knew boomers were such a tough crowd?
7. Glenn Frey
Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
- Years active: 1966-2015
- Net worth: $120 million (2016)
- Known for: Guitar/keys/vocals for The Eagles
The Heat Was On
Source: jeaneeem/Wikimedia Commons
Coming in at number 7 on our list of the 10 least popular classic rock artists is Glenn Frey. Frey is the first artist on the list that I get. Like, he’s no Don Henley, you know? AND, and this is a really big AND, loads of boomers blame Frey for the demise of The Eagles. And though he was certainly a party to their disbandment, it takes two to tangle. Regardless, it’s difficult to shake that image, just ask Yoko.
6. Elvis Costello
Source: Public Domin/Wikimedia Commons
- Years active: 1970-
- Net worth: $70 million
- Known for: Songwriter/ documentary maker
Punch The Clock
Source: Larry Busacca / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
Ok, so we’re back to what the heck, fellow boomers? Elvis Costello? Another one of my favorites, Costello’s music blends elements of punk, new wave, and rock with intricate wordplay and socially conscious lyrics to splendid results. Or so I thought. According to some boomers his music is jangly and he ripped off Buddy Holly’s trademark style.
5. Jeff Beck
Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
- Years active: 1964-2023
- Net worth: $25 million
- Known for: Yardbirds/solo work
Yardbird
Source: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
While the critics adored Jeff Beck, consumers were less effusive. Characterized by his innovative approach to the guitar and his willingness to experiment by pushing musical boundaries beyond their formerly adhered-to limits, Jeff Beck was simply a bit too avant-garde for many boomers, especially those who had been fans of his group the Yardbirds, which was a more conventional rock group.
4. Michael Bolton
Source: public domain/Wikimedia Commons
- Years active: 1975-
- Net worth: $80 million
- Known for: singer/songwriter/collaborator/ television personality
Easy Now
Source: alan-light / Flickr
Number 4 on 24/7 Wall St.’s list of the 10 least popular classic rock artists according to baby boomers: ranked is Michael Bolton. Not that I get around much anymore, but even when I did? I don’t recall ever meeting a Michael Bolton fan. Dude’s worth $80 million, so, they’re out there. A child musical prodigy, Bolton parlayed his music career into an equally lucrative career in television. So, why don’t baby boomers think more of him? Placing him in the classic rock category is a bit of a stretch. The boomers I queried felt Bolton would be more at home on an easy-listening/jazz list. Can’t say I disagree.
3. Gene Simmons
Source: Public Domain/ Wikimedia Commons
- Years active: 1970-
- Net worth: $400 million
- Known for: bassist for KISS/ television personality
Kiss
Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
I’ll admit it, I was never a KISS fan, and by extension, not a Gene Simmons fan, either. But a boomer neighbor of mine gets decked out in a custom outfit and full Ace Frehley make-up most weekends to play in a KISS cover band. From their iconic makeup and catchy hard rock tunes to their theatrical pyrotechnics, KISS earned their status as one of the most recognizable and influential hard rock bands of the 20th century. But what’s the saying? The whole is greater than the sum of its parts? Gene Simmons without KISS just isn’t as popular as Gene Simmons with KISS.
2. Axl Rose
Source: Kathryn Koehler/ Courtesy of 24/7 Wall St
- Years active: 1983-
- Net worth: $200 million
- Known for: Guns and Roses
Source: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
Axl Rose, the lead singer and primary songwriter of Guns N’ Roses, is a polarizing artist. Every rose has its thorn, and Axl is no exception. From erratic, sometimes violent behavior, to spending 15 years on a less-than-stellar album (Chinese Democracy), Axl Rose never recovered the momentum of Appetite For Destruction, GNR’s breakthrough album.
1. Frank Zappa
Source: Pubic Domain/Wikimedia Commons
- Years active: 1955-1993
- Net worth: $1 million (1993)
- Known for: Satirical lyrics and strong opinions
Zapped
Source: Evening Standard / Getty Images
Coming in at number one on 24/7 Wall St.’s list of the 10 least popular classic rock artists according to baby boomers: ranked is none other than Frank Zappa. The appeal of Frank Zappa varies wildly among baby boomers. His music was unconventional and could be challenging to the unaccustomed ear. Zappa’s sharp wit, and fearless approach to tackling societal and political issues through his controversial, often satirical lyrics, coupled with his critique of mainstream culture simply did not resonate with the majority of boomers. For these very same reasons, Gen Z has discovered Zappa and they are digging his message.
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